MKM Charity Dinner

 Mr & Mrs Raja

 Mr & Mrs Low

 Selvi, Raja & Tiong

Introduction of Datin Hajah Intan's cookbook "Flavours & Colours"

The main courses 

 Kris, Raymond & Selvi

 Sago Gula Melaka (dessert)

Last night, we (PWM President, Mr. James Lee and several Excos) attended a charity dinner organized by Majlis Kesejahteraan Masyarakat (MKM) at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club. At least a thousand people attended with the Minister at the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, Pehin Haji Yahya as the Guest of Honour (GOH). The evening started with a speech from the Chairwoman of MKM, Datin Hajah Intan, followed by a speech from the GOH. A short video clip depicting the activities of MKM was shown followed by dances and songs from local artistes. Great job! 

Ho Chi Minh City (12-15 November 2014)

The streets around A&EM Hotel

Supper on the 1st night (can't remember the name of this restaurant which is near A&EM Hotel)

 Moon Hue Restaurant (near A&EM Hotel)

Traditional Broken Rice Restaurant (near A&EM Hotel)

Cuc Gach Quan (home style) Restaurant; we took a taxi to get there

This is the first time I visited Vietnam and this trip was planned last April before Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) resumes its direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCM)! James and I flew to Singapore by BI (12 November) and then to HCM on Jetstar. Another friend, Mr. Chong joined us on 13 November and returned to Brunei on 16 November via BI's direct flight. However, my return sector (15 November) on Jetstar was delayed for 1 hour and 10 minutes giving us less time to catch the connecting flight back to Brunei. Just before landing at Changi Airport, we moved to the first row so that we can exit the plane first. It was such a rush but I managed to do a little shopping before boarding the plane back to Brunei. I was the last passenger to board and they even announced my name over the PA system. I'm so glad I made it! 
Currency exchange: It's advisable to bring Singapore Dollars to Vietnam as it commands a better rate than Brunei Dollars. The exchange rate in Vietnam is SGD1 = VND16,500+ which is better than the rate offered at Changi Airport (SGD1 = VND14,500+). 

River Cruise @ Ho Chi Minh City

 La Perle de L'Orient

 The set menu

 Other available cruises

 Night scene taken from the boat

One of the highlights of our recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City was the River Cruise. This was arranged by the hotel receptionist (Ms. Jessica) at A&EM Hotel. The cost of this River Cruise including a set dinner and return transfers to the river banks of the Saigon River was VND588,000-00 (B$36-00). There were several other boats berthed at the pier and we were booked on the "La Perle de L'Orient" which I believe meant "Pearl of the Orient" in French. Ironically, the other boats were not as busy as the boat we're on and reservations in advance is recommended. The boat departed at 7.45pm and returned to the pier at 9.15pm by which time we had finished our dinner and a couple of beers!